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NanoBio gets fresh backing for vaccine program

The venture capital group Perseus has pumped $10 million dollars into NanoBio, bringing its total investment in the University of Michigan spin-off to $30 million. The developer has been working on nanoemulsion vaccines that have demonstrated an ability to bolster the immunity of mice against HIV and smallpox. And the company says mid-stage data for one of its candidates, NB-001 for cold sores, is ready for a late-stage trial.

NanoBio founder James Baker says that the recent developments underscore that the technology can be used for any vaccine. "In addition, it can produce the type of immunity that's most desired for protection against viruses--that is cellular immunity that induces destruction of virally infected cells."

He goes on to note that the vaccine produces both cellular and mucosal immunity, which would make it more effective than vaccines that have foundered in trials. And in fighting bioterror attacks, a new vaccine would be potentially safer than existing vaccines.

NanoBio is small but growing fast. Its staff has grown from eight to 18 in the past 18 months. And some of the new employees have moved over from a down-sizing Pfizer. The Ann Arbor-based company has also doubled the amount of research space it occupies.

- here's the release
- read the story from Mlive
- and here's a story from Metromode